The Kiel Raiders girls’ soccer team will play for its second state title Saturday night, as it defeated the New Berlin Eisenhower Lions by the score of 3-2 in double overtime in a WIAA Division Three state semifinal match played at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee.
Senior Taavi Saeger scored all three goals for the Raiders, including the game-winner at the 91:59 mark of the extra session.
Head Coach Mike Pritchard says that his team had a little more in the tank down the stretch, telling seehafernews.com—
“I thought we dominated the final twenty minutes of the second half, and in overtime, I thought we were the more physical team. We ran through the ball and created more [pressure and opportunities to win the match.”
Saeger had four of the Raiders’ five shots on goal and has scored 52 goals this season.
(Mike) Pritchard says his entire squad rose to the occasion, praising the play of (Taavi) Saeger, goalkeeper Mya Langenfeld, and Harper Walsdorf, who assisted on two of Sager’s three goals, including the game-winner in overtime. Pritchard adds—
” Harper had to step up her game as the bench was not as deep as it normally is. She just created multiple opportunities by running through players, picking her head up, and she has the skill to put the ball right where it needs to be. “
Jasmine Bink was credited with an assist on Saeger’s first goal in the first half.
Prichard knew they’d have their hand full, with a Lions team that plays in the tough Woodland West conference and was riding a four-match winning streak coming into the state tournament.
” They (The Lions) have the collective skill of a college team. I think in the end, we just had a little more heart, and I believe our heart won out against skill. “
The unbeaten Raiders (25-0-1) will play top-seed and unbeaten McFarland (17-0-4), who defeated Rice Lake 2-1 in the other D-3 state semifinal Friday. Pritchard says that Spartan goalkeeper Jaylah Moore is one of the best he’s ever seen on the high school level.
”She’s outstanding. She’s only given up two goals all year, but I believe we’ll be ready and we must capitalize on the opportunities we create to win the match.”
The Division Three state championship match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday (tomorrow) night.
